Joe Hart compared Manchester United to a “killing machine” last night as he described their relentless pursuit of a twentieth domestic championship.

The Manchester City goalkeeper insisted that Roberto Mancini’s side are not ready to concede the title, but expressed his admiration for rivals who have established a 15-point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Hart admitted that City’s title defence has not gone as planned, but said that it would have required an almost perfect season to keep pace with United. City’s priorities for the remainder of the campaign are to make sure they finish second,